Danny Kay Shaw

Danny Kay Shaw

Nov 3, 1944 - Aug 14, 2025

Danny Kay Shaw, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud veteran, passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025, at the age of 80. Born in Topeka, Kansas, Danny was the son of George E. Shaw and Betty M. (King) Shaw.

Danny graduated from high school in Horton, Kansas, before joining the United States Navy in December 1965. He served with distinction, completing two tours in Vietnam between 1967 and 1968, and was honorably discharged in 1969. He later continued his service through the Navy Reserves beginning in 1970.

On May 10, 1969, Danny married the love of his life, Sandra Sue (Johnston) Shaw, in California. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, family, and service. They were blessed with a daughter, Shanna D. (Shaw) Fitzgerald, who later gave them four cherished grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

A dedicated public servant, Danny retired from the Travis County Sheriff’s Department in 2008. He was deeply proud of his time in both military and civilian service. Danny received numerous military honors during his lifetime, including: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Navy Service Medal, Purple Heart (2), Bronze Star, Tet Offensive Campaign Medal, Honorable Discharge, and American Defense Medal.

Danny was preceded in death by his beloved wife Sandra Shaw; his parents George and Betty Shaw; his parents-in-law Clarence and Edith Johnston; siblings Sharon (Shaw) Thornton and George Michael "Mike" Shaw; and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

He is survived by his daughter, Shanna D. Fitzgerald; grandchildren Dylan & Hannah Fitzgerald, Hunter & Miguel Mesta, Bobbi-Sue Fitzgerald, Johnnie-Renee "Oklie" Gideon, and Dalton Fitzgerald; and great-grandchildren Elijah, Amiah, Ataleiah, Mikael Mesta, Abilene, and Breck Fitzgerald. He is also survived by his sister Sherry Stirton and brother-in-law Bill Stirton, brother-in-law Gary Thornton, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Danny was a proud veteran who lived by the words: “All gave some; some gave all.” His legacy of courage, honor, and love for family will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Pallbearers

Dylan, Dalton, Bobbi, Brian Fitzgerald, Miguel Mesta & Terry Burns

Honorary pallbearers

Gary Thornton , Bill Stirton, Randy Thornton, Larry Lackland

Funeral services will be held at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas.

• Visitation: Friday, August 29, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

• Funeral Service: Saturday, August 30, at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Shane Allen.

• Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery, where Danny will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Sandra.

The veteran's spirit has now set “anchors aweigh” on his final peaceful journey home.